If the lush, deeply realized landscape of 7th-century Britain in Hild captivated you, you'll find a similar pleasure in The Buried Giant. Ishiguro plunges you into a post-Arthurian Britain where memory, myth, and landscape intertwine, and every detail of the world—from the misty moors to the ancient ruins—feels lived-in and significant.

If you were drawn to Hild’s nuanced transformation from child to influential figure, Wolf Hall offers another masterclass in character evolution. Watching Thomas Cromwell navigate the treacherous Tudor court, you’ll appreciate Mantel’s ability to depict the subtle shifts in power, belief, and self-awareness that define a truly memorable protagonist.

If you loved how Hild painted a vast historical canvas, The Mists of Avalon will enthrall you with its sweeping retelling of Arthurian legend through the eyes of its women. The novel spans generations, weaving together personal destinies and major historical shifts in a tapestry of epic scope.

If Hild’s strength, intelligence, and agency drew you in, Lavinia will resonate just as deeply. Le Guin gives voice to the often-sidelined Lavinia from the Aeneid, crafting a heroine whose growth, choices, and inner life command the center of an ancient world.

If you relished the subtle maneuvering and high-stakes politics in Hild, The Name of the Rose offers a labyrinth of conspiracy set within a medieval monastery. Eco’s novel is rich with the tension of secret alliances, shifting loyalties, and the ever-present dangers of faith and power.